Complaints & Recalls
Official Safety Recalls - Important!
10 RecallsThese are official manufacturer recalls ordered by NHTSA for safety defects. If you own this vehicle, contact your dealer immediately for free repairs.
Kia America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2019 Sorento vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, water may leak into the rearview camera, which can cause the rearview camera image not to appear on the display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC282
Recall Date: Sep 15, 2023
Kia America, Inc.
Safety Issue:
Kia America, Inc. (Kia) is recalling certain 2016-2022 Sorento, 2021-2022 Sorento Hybrid (HEV), 2022-2023 Sorento Plug-In Hybrid (PHEV), and 2017-2022 Sportage vehicles equipped with a tow hitch harness installed as original equipment, or purchased as an accessory through a Kia dealership. Debris and moisture accumulation on the tow hitch harness module printed circuit board (PCB) may cause an electrical short, which can result in a fire.
Potential Risk:
FREE Recall Solution:
Additional Details:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Mfg Campaign: SC249
Recall Date: Sep 19, 2022
Consumer Complaints
494 ComplaintsKia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and then lost motive power. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact pulled over and was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who advised the contact to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Mfg Campaign: 11577203
Recall Date: Mar 13, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SUSPENSION
Potential Consequences:
I purchased my 2019 Kia Sorento with 7,000 miles on it. A few moths after purchase, I began having suspension issue with it. My rear tires were being worn out very quickly and a tire repair shop suggested that I have Kia dealership check out the shocks, which I did. Kia Service Center diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the shock absorbers due to leakage. Almost 2 months later, I took my Sorento back to the same Service Center due to loud squeaking noises and the up and down of the vehicle anytime I drove over the smallest hump or bump in the road. Kia found that the strut mount and bearings were coming apart and Kia supposedly replaced the sway bar along with the bearings and struts. After one month, I had to take the vehicle back for the same issue. It was supposedly fixed again but a few moths later, the loud squeaking came back and has gotten worse over time. I took my truck to Kia again for the same issue and they are now saying that the sway bar bushings have went bad. Well they supposedly just replaced the old sway bar last year and it is already needing new bushings. I have searched online and found the front sway bar of KIA's to be a major defect problem and consumer's having to continuously replace the front sway bar on their KIA. A bad sway bar can not only impede your ability to control and handle your vehicle, but it can also be the cause of an accident. With so many consumer complaints on this issue, I am unsure why there has been no recall on the sway bar and bushings of KIA vehicles. Whether the vehicle is new with new parts or the part has been replaced, this is definitely an issue that needs to be investigated immediately.
Corrective Action:
I purchased my 2019 Kia Sorento with 7,000 miles on it. A few moths after purchase, I began having suspension issue with it. My rear tires were being worn out very quickly and a tire repair shop suggested that I have Kia dealership check out the shocks, which I did. Kia Service Center diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the shock absorbers due to leakage. Almost 2 months later, I took my Sorento back to the same Service Center due to loud squeaking noises and the up and down of the vehicle anytime I drove over the smallest hump or bump in the road. Kia found that the strut mount and bearings were coming apart and Kia supposedly replaced the sway bar along with the bearings and struts. After one month, I had to take the vehicle back for the same issue. It was supposedly fixed again but a few moths later, the loud squeaking came back and has gotten worse over time. I took my truck to Kia again for the same issue and they are now saying that the sway bar bushings have went bad. Well they supposedly just replaced the old sway bar last year and it is already needing new bushings. I have searched online and found the front sway bar of KIA's to be a major defect problem and consumer's having to continuously replace the front sway bar on their KIA. A bad sway bar can not only impede your ability to control and handle your vehicle, but it can also be the cause of an accident. With so many consumer complaints on this issue, I am unsure why there has been no recall on the sway bar and bushings of KIA vehicles. Whether the vehicle is new with new parts or the part has been replaced, this is definitely an issue that needs to be investigated immediately.
Additional Notes:
I purchased my 2019 Kia Sorento with 7,000 miles on it. A few moths after purchase, I began having suspension issue with it. My rear tires were being worn out very quickly and a tire repair shop suggested that I have Kia dealership check out the shocks, which I did. Kia Service Center diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the shock absorbers due to leakage. Almost 2 months later, I took my Sorento back to the same Service Center due to loud squeaking noises and the up and down of the vehicle anytime I drove over the smallest hump or bump in the road. Kia found that the strut mount and bearings were coming apart and Kia supposedly replaced the sway bar along with the bearings and struts. After one month, I had to take the vehicle back for the same issue. It was supposedly fixed again but a few moths later, the loud squeaking came back and has gotten worse over time. I took my truck to Kia again for the same issue and they are now saying that the sway bar bushings have went bad. Well they supposedly just replaced the old sway bar last year and it is already needing new bushings. I have searched online and found the front sway bar of KIA's to be a major defect problem and consumer's having to continuously replace the front sway bar on their KIA. A bad sway bar can not only impede your ability to control and handle your vehicle, but it can also be the cause of an accident. With so many consumer complaints on this issue, I am unsure why there has been no recall on the sway bar and bushings of KIA vehicles. Whether the vehicle is new with new parts or the part has been replaced, this is definitely an issue that needs to be investigated immediately.
Mfg Campaign: 11575564
Recall Date: Mar 5, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The Kia burns oil quickly. The oil light used to come in between oil changes. Last oil change the service station said the dip stick was dry but the oil light hadn’t come on at all. A week after the oil change we checked the oil level and the stick came out clean(no oil)
Corrective Action:
The Kia burns oil quickly. The oil light used to come in between oil changes. Last oil change the service station said the dip stick was dry but the oil light hadn’t come on at all. A week after the oil change we checked the oil level and the stick came out clean(no oil)
Additional Notes:
The Kia burns oil quickly. The oil light used to come in between oil changes. Last oil change the service station said the dip stick was dry but the oil light hadn’t come on at all. A week after the oil change we checked the oil level and the stick came out clean(no oil)
Mfg Campaign: 11574219
Recall Date: Feb 27, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Vehicle has engine oil leak, started months ago but no warning lights - determined there was a problem due to the oil drippage on driveway. Took vehicle to dealership, known problem of oil filter housing and it has to be replaced. Part on back order. Not repairing the problem can force the engine to seize and stall while driving, hence, I haven't been driving the vehicle due to concerns about it seizing. This is a known problem subject to two class action settlement suits and the problem STILL occurs. Why isn't a recall being done to address this problem at no cost to the customers?
Corrective Action:
Vehicle has engine oil leak, started months ago but no warning lights - determined there was a problem due to the oil drippage on driveway. Took vehicle to dealership, known problem of oil filter housing and it has to be replaced. Part on back order. Not repairing the problem can force the engine to seize and stall while driving, hence, I haven't been driving the vehicle due to concerns about it seizing. This is a known problem subject to two class action settlement suits and the problem STILL occurs. Why isn't a recall being done to address this problem at no cost to the customers?
Additional Notes:
Vehicle has engine oil leak, started months ago but no warning lights - determined there was a problem due to the oil drippage on driveway. Took vehicle to dealership, known problem of oil filter housing and it has to be replaced. Part on back order. Not repairing the problem can force the engine to seize and stall while driving, hence, I haven't been driving the vehicle due to concerns about it seizing. This is a known problem subject to two class action settlement suits and the problem STILL occurs. Why isn't a recall being done to address this problem at no cost to the customers?
Mfg Campaign: 11572888
Recall Date: Feb 20, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Oil pan cracked to the right side of the drain plug about an inch long
Corrective Action:
Oil pan cracked to the right side of the drain plug about an inch long
Additional Notes:
Oil pan cracked to the right side of the drain plug about an inch long
Mfg Campaign: 11572667
Recall Date: Feb 18, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
I was driving and car lost power, couldn’t drive anymore
Corrective Action:
I was driving and car lost power, couldn’t drive anymore
Additional Notes:
I was driving and car lost power, couldn’t drive anymore
Mfg Campaign: 11570517
Recall Date: Feb 7, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN
Potential Consequences:
I was driving and car lost power, couldn’t drive anymore
Corrective Action:
I was driving and car lost power, couldn’t drive anymore
Additional Notes:
I was driving and car lost power, couldn’t drive anymore
Mfg Campaign: 11570517
Recall Date: Feb 7, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while reversing into the garage, the contact’s husband noticed a large amount of oil on the ground. The check oil warning light illuminated when the vehicle was stopped. The contact’s husband changed the oil and added 8 quarts of oil to the engine and within a week, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contacts husband rechecked the oil level and there was no oil in the oil pan. The contact’s husband took off the front passenger tire and saw that the oil filter housing was leaking. The dealer was contacted to purchase the oil filter housing part; however, the contact was informed the part was on backorder with no estimated time for arrival of the parts. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that without the part, the vehicle was undrivable. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while reversing into the garage, the contact’s husband noticed a large amount of oil on the ground. The check oil warning light illuminated when the vehicle was stopped. The contact’s husband changed the oil and added 8 quarts of oil to the engine and within a week, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contacts husband rechecked the oil level and there was no oil in the oil pan. The contact’s husband took off the front passenger tire and saw that the oil filter housing was leaking. The dealer was contacted to purchase the oil filter housing part; however, the contact was informed the part was on backorder with no estimated time for arrival of the parts. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that without the part, the vehicle was undrivable. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2018 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while reversing into the garage, the contact’s husband noticed a large amount of oil on the ground. The check oil warning light illuminated when the vehicle was stopped. The contact’s husband changed the oil and added 8 quarts of oil to the engine and within a week, the check engine warning light illuminated again. The contacts husband rechecked the oil level and there was no oil in the oil pan. The contact’s husband took off the front passenger tire and saw that the oil filter housing was leaking. The dealer was contacted to purchase the oil filter housing part; however, the contact was informed the part was on backorder with no estimated time for arrival of the parts. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that without the part, the vehicle was undrivable. The approximate failure mileage was 119,000.
Mfg Campaign: 11569952
Recall Date: Feb 5, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
My cars white paint is coming off the body. My car is loosing oil really fast.
Corrective Action:
My cars white paint is coming off the body. My car is loosing oil really fast.
Additional Notes:
My cars white paint is coming off the body. My car is loosing oil really fast.
Mfg Campaign: 11569792
Recall Date: Feb 4, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
My cars white paint is coming off the body. My car is loosing oil really fast.
Corrective Action:
My cars white paint is coming off the body. My car is loosing oil really fast.
Additional Notes:
My cars white paint is coming off the body. My car is loosing oil really fast.
Mfg Campaign: 11569792
Recall Date: Feb 4, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Corrective Action:
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Additional Notes:
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Mfg Campaign: 11568929
Recall Date: Jan 31, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Corrective Action:
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Additional Notes:
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Mfg Campaign: 11568929
Recall Date: Jan 31, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Corrective Action:
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Additional Notes:
I was driving down the road, no service lights were on and my car backfired twice and was engulfed in flames within seconds. My car completely burned, it was a total loss, but I’m being told my vehicles vin wasn’t included in the recalls when it very well should be.
Mfg Campaign: 11568929
Recall Date: Jan 31, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)
Potential Consequences:
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module (TCM). The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be flush and the TCM needed to be reprogrammed to the factory settings. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Corrective Action:
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module (TCM). The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be flush and the TCM needed to be reprogrammed to the factory settings. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Additional Notes:
The contact owns a 2019 Kia Sorento. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated and shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission control module (TCM). The mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be flush and the TCM needed to be reprogrammed to the factory settings. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 80,000. The VIN was not available.
Mfg Campaign: 11569076
Recall Date: Jan 31, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
STRUCTURE:BODY
Potential Consequences:
The paint on the hood and roof have been peeling and metal is now exposed. There appears to be a primer or paint defect. This occurred 4 years into owning the vehicle. Kia connect and dealership refuse to do anything since they said paint warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. But this is negligence from the manufacturer.
Corrective Action:
The paint on the hood and roof have been peeling and metal is now exposed. There appears to be a primer or paint defect. This occurred 4 years into owning the vehicle. Kia connect and dealership refuse to do anything since they said paint warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. But this is negligence from the manufacturer.
Additional Notes:
The paint on the hood and roof have been peeling and metal is now exposed. There appears to be a primer or paint defect. This occurred 4 years into owning the vehicle. Kia connect and dealership refuse to do anything since they said paint warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. But this is negligence from the manufacturer.
Mfg Campaign: 11566919
Recall Date: Jan 22, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Potential Consequences:
The paint on the hood and roof have been peeling and metal is now exposed. There appears to be a primer or paint defect. This occurred 4 years into owning the vehicle. Kia connect and dealership refuse to do anything since they said paint warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. But this is negligence from the manufacturer.
Corrective Action:
The paint on the hood and roof have been peeling and metal is now exposed. There appears to be a primer or paint defect. This occurred 4 years into owning the vehicle. Kia connect and dealership refuse to do anything since they said paint warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. But this is negligence from the manufacturer.
Additional Notes:
The paint on the hood and roof have been peeling and metal is now exposed. There appears to be a primer or paint defect. This occurred 4 years into owning the vehicle. Kia connect and dealership refuse to do anything since they said paint warranty is only for 3 years or 36,000 miles. But this is negligence from the manufacturer.
Mfg Campaign: 11566919
Recall Date: Jan 22, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
My car will not turn on, there was no warning light or maintenance required message. Also the two passenger seats recline back but will not go back to forward position.
Corrective Action:
My car will not turn on, there was no warning light or maintenance required message. Also the two passenger seats recline back but will not go back to forward position.
Additional Notes:
My car will not turn on, there was no warning light or maintenance required message. Also the two passenger seats recline back but will not go back to forward position.
Mfg Campaign: 11566425
Recall Date: Jan 19, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
SEATS
Potential Consequences:
My car will not turn on, there was no warning light or maintenance required message. Also the two passenger seats recline back but will not go back to forward position.
Corrective Action:
My car will not turn on, there was no warning light or maintenance required message. Also the two passenger seats recline back but will not go back to forward position.
Additional Notes:
My car will not turn on, there was no warning light or maintenance required message. Also the two passenger seats recline back but will not go back to forward position.
Mfg Campaign: 11566425
Recall Date: Jan 19, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ENGINE
Potential Consequences:
Driving to the store and l smell smoke. Pull up to Walmart entrance because l seen a fireman going in. So, l got out to ask him to come help me l smell smoke by time l got back to the car fire started. He was able to put it out but my vent in my second row is burn, side my driver seat a burn a little and rug on the floor. And now my engine stop working mechanics said it a recall on these vehicles.
Corrective Action:
Driving to the store and l smell smoke. Pull up to Walmart entrance because l seen a fireman going in. So, l got out to ask him to come help me l smell smoke by time l got back to the car fire started. He was able to put it out but my vent in my second row is burn, side my driver seat a burn a little and rug on the floor. And now my engine stop working mechanics said it a recall on these vehicles.
Additional Notes:
Driving to the store and l smell smoke. Pull up to Walmart entrance because l seen a fireman going in. So, l got out to ask him to come help me l smell smoke by time l got back to the car fire started. He was able to put it out but my vent in my second row is burn, side my driver seat a burn a little and rug on the floor. And now my engine stop working mechanics said it a recall on these vehicles.
Mfg Campaign: 11566400
Recall Date: Jan 18, 2024
Kia America, Inc.
Defect Description:
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Potential Consequences:
Driving to the store and l smell smoke. Pull up to Walmart entrance because l seen a fireman going in. So, l got out to ask him to come help me l smell smoke by time l got back to the car fire started. He was able to put it out but my vent in my second row is burn, side my driver seat a burn a little and rug on the floor. And now my engine stop working mechanics said it a recall on these vehicles.
Corrective Action:
Driving to the store and l smell smoke. Pull up to Walmart entrance because l seen a fireman going in. So, l got out to ask him to come help me l smell smoke by time l got back to the car fire started. He was able to put it out but my vent in my second row is burn, side my driver seat a burn a little and rug on the floor. And now my engine stop working mechanics said it a recall on these vehicles.
Additional Notes:
Driving to the store and l smell smoke. Pull up to Walmart entrance because l seen a fireman going in. So, l got out to ask him to come help me l smell smoke by time l got back to the car fire started. He was able to put it out but my vent in my second row is burn, side my driver seat a burn a little and rug on the floor. And now my engine stop working mechanics said it a recall on these vehicles.
Mfg Campaign: 11566400
Recall Date: Jan 18, 2024
Need Legal Help?
Featured Attorneys
Barry Edzant
Edzant Price LLC
Valencia, CA • 36 yrs
Focus: Lemon Law, Personal Injury